10 Things Every True Mainer Does At Least Once Before They Die

If you were born and bred in Maine, there's a good chance that you've done a lot of what we're about to tell you. While we're all individuals, there are just some things that most Mainers can relate to. And, if you've yet to do these things - get ready! They're probably in your future whether you want them or not. Actually, the reality of being a Mainer is a lot like fulfilling a special destiny. No matter what you might do to resist, if you're a Mainer, you're a Mainer!

1. Taken a summer visit to Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a playground for kids AND adults. Summer nights for for riding the rollercoasters and trying your hand at the latest (and old school!) arcade games. When you've worked up an appetite, dig into those world-famous pier fries you've heard so much about.

2. Wished desperately for winter to come back!

The promise of spring is wonderful, but the reality of mud season is always hard to swallow.

3. Sung "The Counties" song on a stage in front of your extended family.

If you learned this in elementary school, you have NEVER forgotten it!

4. Visited the Grand Canyon of the East.

You can take in the "Grand Canyon of the East" via an 8.6 mile looped hike. You might remember this one from our article on Maine's natural wonders. We just can't get enough of this place! In the summer bring your bathing suit, swimming is allowed here.

5. Referred to this to find your way.

By now you've probably learned to accept the GPS, but if you're a real Mainer you've used one of these at LEAST once. And, you probably have a beat-up version of it in the back seat!

6. Been in a car with someone who demanded you pull over to pick some of these.

Or, better yet, you've been the driver making the demands!

7. Experienced road rage as a result of this license plate.

Massachusetts drivers are not to be messed with!

8. Gazed at majestic Katahdin.

While we don't expect you to climb the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, we do recommend exploring Baxter or simply gazing up at it. Katahdin's name was given by the Penobscot Indians and means "The Greatest Mountain." It serves as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but can be hiked on its own in about 10 hours. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's an incredible wonder we can call our own.

9. Had too many wild Maine blueberries in a sitting.

If you're not into lobster, but love all things Maine blueberries are for you!

10. Crossed this county line.

We're all real Mainers if we were born here, but the heartiest of us have been to The County.

Luckily, being from Mainer also means knowing some pretty great state secrets. Check out these great places to visit that are hidden to all but the locals.